Metallica
Ride the Lightning (Remastered) [2016 Remastered Version] · 1984
Amp settings (as recorded)
The recording
The rhythm tracks for 'For Whom the Bell Tolls' were recorded at Sweet Silence Studios in Copenhagen, Denmark, shortly after the band's original gear was stolen. Produced by Flemming Rasmussen, the sessions relied on a rented 100-watt Marshall JMP 2203 head (referred to by James Hetfield as 'French-made' due to local labeling) pushed by an Ibanez TS9. The intro/main riff is notably layered with bass guitar, which utilizes a distinct, heavily distorted tone.
Tuning
StandardRecording Signal Chain · 4 items
Explorer
Gibson
Main Rhythm Guitar
Stock 1984 model with Gibson Dirty Fingers pickups.
TS9 Tube Screamer
Ibanez
Boost
Drive set to minimum, Level pushed to maximum to tighten the amp core response.
JMP 2203
Marshall
Primary Amplifier
100-watt head; settings were often 'dimed' for recording.
4x12 Cabinet
Marshall
Speaker Output
Standard 4x12 loaded with Celestion speakers.
Tone Characteristics
Sources
ToneTwin